Types of Paint to Use on Concrete

If you have a concrete floor and walls to paint, choosing the correct type of paint is important. Many homes have concrete basements and painting the entire basement can help cut down on the mold and make the room look and smell much better. You have several choices that you can choose from.

Preparing the Concrete for Paint

If you are painting your basement, you need to prepare the concrete by cleaning it thoroughly. The last thing you want to do is put paint on dirty concrete because this will all be magnified when the paint dries. Therefore, scrub and hose down the floor or walls and allow them to completely dry. Check for any cracks around the floors or walls and fill these in and allow to dry.

Use a Primer

Before applying the paint, you need to apply at least two coats of primer and allow the first coat to dry before applying the second. You can use a roller brush, which is the easiest way to apply the primer.

Paint Choices

The most common type of paint to use for concrete is epoxy, but you can also use latex, or alkyd. All of which provides a glossy coat, which looks very nice on concrete. Use a roller brush or a sprayer and apply the first coat. Allow to dry completely and then apply a second coat. Once it is dry and everything is completely covered, use a masonry sealer using a roller brush. You should apply a few coats, which will make the paint seal and last much longer.